Characteristics: Californian poppy is a short lived perennial native to western North America that grows in a range of habitats, ranging from sea level to 2000m in altitude (Becker et al., 2005; Robinson et al., 1995). It usually germinates during early winter through to early spring and tends to flower well into fall. Californian poppy has large bright golden flowers.

History: The American Indians used Californian poppy for colic pain and it has a long history of traditional use in Northern America (Hoffman, 1988).

Current applications: Thomas Bartram lists it for insomnia, migraine, stress, nervous bowel, anxiety, depression and neuralgia (Bartram, 2013). He also recommends it with passionflower for insomnia.

Science: Californian poppy is a known analgesic and anxiolytic from studies using in vivo models (Rolland et al., 2001; Rolland et al., 1991). However, there is only one human study of Californian poppy, and unfortunately it was a patented extract study in complex with hawthorn and magnesium ((Hanus et al., 2004). Regardless, the authors found a reduction in anxiety in line with the traditional use of this medicinal plant. However, more studies are clearly required to understand this medicinally important plant.

Safety: Californian poppy is safe even for the young, old, and pregnant or breast feeding women. If combining californian poppy with sedative drugs, be extra cautious regarding dosage.

Dosage: Dose of tincture is 10-60 drops 2-4 times daily.

Scientific Summary

Research on models

Analgesic effects: Californian poppy has been shown to demonstrate analgesic effects in the periphery of in vivo models (Rolland et al., 2001). It appears to act in a manner dependent on a benzodiazepine receptor.

Anxiolytic effects: This poppy has been found to exert an anxiolytic effect (anxiety reducing) on in vivo models (Rolland et al., 1991).